Springsteen's Setlist Twist: Why He Ends With "Dancing in the Dark"
Okay, so you've been to a Springsteen concert, right? You know the deal: three-hour-plus shows, a sweaty mess, everyone singing along, and you're left feeling completely exhausted and exhilarated. But have you ever noticed something kind of strange about his setlists? He almost always ends with "Dancing in the Dark." Why, you ask? It's not just random, my friend. There's a method to his madness.
Springsteen's setlist strategy is all about building a crescendo, a journey. He starts with the classics you know and love, maybe throws in some deeper cuts for the die-hards, and then cranks up the energy as the night goes on. By the time he gets to "Dancing in the Dark," the crowd is a frenzy. It's a total sing-along, with everyone jumping and screaming. It's the ultimate release, a final blast of pure, unadulterated rock n' roll energy.
It's not just about the energy, though. "Dancing in the Dark" has a special meaning for Springsteen and his fans. It was a huge hit for him, launching him into superstardom back in the '80s. It's also a song about wanting to escape the darkness, to find your own light. So, when Springsteen ends his set with this song, it's a powerful message: "We're all in this together. Let's dance our way out of the darkness."
It's not always "Dancing in the Dark" though, sometimes he'll mix it up with other anthems like "Born to Run." But, the idea remains the same: he wants to send you out on a high, ready to take on the world. And who better to send you out than the Boss himself, leaving you feeling like you can do anything.
So, the next time you see Springsteen, remember: the ending isn't just an afterthought, it's a carefully crafted moment. It's a moment that wraps up the entire experience, a reminder that we're all in this together, and a call to keep on dancing.